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Nick Giannoukakis

Biomedical Masters Program
Email: ngiann1@pitt.edu

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Genetic manipulation of dendritic cells for immune regulation
Date Added: 8/29/2003 12:00:00 AM
Last Updated: 5/24/2011 12:00:00 AM

Description of projects available to graduate students:
The broad objective of this project is to treat autoimmune hosts with autologous dendritic cells engineered in a number of ways targeting complementary internal and external signaling pathways. The laboratory is currently studying these modalities in mouse models of type 1 diabetes and atopy. In addition, the laboratory is also studying mechanisms of action of such therapy and of interest are regulatory T- and B-cells


Techniques graduate student will learn:
The techniques to be employed include DNA/RNA expression studies using real-time PCR, antisense DNA technology, cell culture, in vivo administration of dendritic cells, flow cytometry, in vitro immunoassays (MLR, cytokine measurements). The laboratory has readily-available access to state-of-the art flow cytometry facilities, real-time PCR, and proteomics/mass spectrometry facilities. Technical assistance is friendly and readily available.